Problem
Globally, an estimated 112 billion farmed vertebrate animals are alive at any given time, with 77 billion of them being farmed fish. Sadly, like other farmed animals, fish often endure significant cruelty within the industry. Growing scientific evidence increasingly supports that fish, like other vertebrates, experience pain. However, many farmed fish are subject to challenging conditions, including overcrowding, poor water quality, and high disease prevalence.
Solution
Enhancing welfare standards for farmed fish offers multiple benefits:
It reduces disease and mortality rates of the fishes
Decreases reliance on chemicals that can negatively impact surrounding ecosystems
Promotes sustainable fish farming practices.
Thus, prioritising fish welfare improves the well-being of these animals while supporting more sustainable, responsible business practices.
Fish Welfare initiative (FWI) is improving fish welfare in two main ways:
Welfare programs: through their fish welfare program in Andhra Pradesh, the Alliance for Responsible Aquaculture, FWI supports over 150 farms with guidance to improve water quality and maintain lower stocking densities.
Research and Development: FWI invests heavily in developing new evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of farmed fishes. For recent examples, see their projects on stunning, satellite imagery, and feed fortification.
Their programs primarily operate in India, with additional activities conducted in China and the Philippines.
Other recommended Animal Welfare non-profits
